Came across a case where a client tried to write off their dog as a business expense. Their reasoning? The dog ‘enhanced’ the office atmosphere. It’s amusing until you remember how the IRS treats such claims. Sometimes I wonder how these people think they can escape the legal consequences.
I’ve seen crazier write-off attempts; last month a client tried to include their cat as a ‘stress relief consultant.’ I think some people see the IRS as a game they can outsmart. The downside? If they get audited, that ‘enhanced office atmosphere’ is gonna crumble pretty quick?
It’s wild where some people draw the line on write-offs! I guess if the dog runs the meetings, that’s a different story. @kerry_l88, have you ever seen clients try to justify even weirder expenses?
I can’t believe someone thought a dog could enhance the office atmosphere enough to justify a write-off! I’ve had clients try to include their pet lizard for ‘mood lighting.’ It really drives me nuts how some folks don’t realize the IRS is clued in on these tricks. Ever had a client get really defensive about a write-off that was clearly a stretch?